Sparta Manager Steps Down, Citizen Complaint a Non-Criminal Offense

On the heels of Sparta Township Manager David Troast's resignation on Tuesday, an investigation concluded that a citizen complaint lodged against the former township official was not criminal, according to New Jersey Herald.

The complaint, which was made after Troast allegedly made a comment about his ownership of a firearm in front of a councilwoman at a ribbon-cutting event at the St. Moritz Grill and Bar earlier this month, caused a stir with at least one resident who spoke out at Tuesday's council meeting, the newspaper reported. Sparta police have not said who lodged the citizen complaint, but the resident who spoke at the meeting said she felt threatened by the comment, the Herald reported.

The newspaper also reported that the five members of the council held an executive session meeting the day following the alleged incident, on Aug. 16, citing personnel/legal advice and potential litigation.

Troast's brief letter of resignation was read by a council member on Tuesday.